Tyra Banks, the executive producer and host behind America’s Next Top Model, is mourning the loss of contestant Mirjana Puhar, who was found dead on Tuesday, Feb. 24. In a statement to Access Hollywood, the supermodel extends her prayers to the 19-year-old’s family and friends.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news about Mirjana Puhar. She was a vivacious and promising young woman," Banks and fellow executive producer Ken Mok said in a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 25. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her loved ones."
ANTM judge Miss J Alexander also took to Twitter to mourn. "Saddened to learn about #ANTM Cycle 21 contestant Mirjana Puhar's murder. Remembering her fondly. RIP,” he tweeted. Fellow contestants, including finalist Adam Smith, also extended their prayers. Smith wrote on Instagram: "Everyone please keep Mirjana and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We love you dearly, and you will live on in our memories. Our cast lost a family member today. I still cannot comprehend that you are no longer with us, I can vividly see you laughing and hear your voice as if it were yesterday. #RIPMirjana #ANTMfamily."
The aspiring model, who was a contestant on cycle 21 of the hit show, was found dead along with her boyfriend and another man following a triple homicide at her boyfriend’s Charlotte, N.C., home. Puhar had reportedly just moved in with her boyfriend, identified as Jonathan Alvarado, and the other man, who is believed to have been roommate Jusmar Gonzaga-Garcia.
Police have made an arrest since the murders. Emmanuel Jesus Rangel, 19, has been charged with three counts of 1st-degree murder and is currently in custody.
